A proud day for Texas

Every day is a proud day to be a Texan, but today it’s OK — maybe even expected — to walk with a little bit more swagger in your giddy-up.

March 2 is a day of celebration across the Lone Star State. Today, Texas applauds the 175th anniversary of its independence.

As Mexico’s attack on the Alamo in San Antonio raged on, 59 men gathered March 1 for the Convention of 1836 at Washington-on-the-Brazos — midway between Houston and Austin. Overnight, five men wrote the document that would change Texas history. On, March 2 the entire group adopted the Texas Declaration of Independence, drafted a Constitution for the newly formed Republic and organized its interim government.

Four days later, the Battle of the Alamo was over. Mexico won after a 13-day siege, but that loss was the catalyst unifying Texas.

Sam Houston, who helped spearhead the Convention of 1836, said after the Texas Declaration of Independence was adopted: “Independence is declared; it must be maintained.”

Less than two months later, Houston led troops to a victory over Gen. Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto to secure Texas’ independence.

That kind of fight and moxie showed 175 years ago still is synonymous with Texas today.

So, make sure to to celebrate Texas’ independence today. Fly a Texas flag, wear your cowboy boots, put on that red, white and blue belt buckle and wear a star.

Today, like every other day, you should be proud to be a Texan.